Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs are clinically effective in reducing mortality, improving health and quality of life, reducing length of hospital stay, and reducing the number of hospital readmissions.

The clinical and cost-effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for people with COPD is well documented. Awareness of COPD amongst the general public needs to be raised as many people are unaware of the condition and the link to smoking.

The possibility of combining treatment programs for people with different diagnoses but similar symptoms is worth exploring in order to take advantage of existing expertise and to deliver cost effective services.

Chronic pain can impact significantly upon physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Physiotherapy utilizing a broad scope of practice can safely and cost-effectively support and guide people with long term pain towards the best possible quality of life.

There is a need for more research into frailty but two systematic reviews suggested that physiotherapy had a positive effect sustained for 12 months in reducing disability in older adults with moderate frailty. (Refer to document for reference)

Physiotherapists have a role to play in the prevention and management of obesity. Obesity leads to restrictions in movement, affecting engagement in physical activity. (Refer to the document for references.)

Physiotherapists are ideally placed to provide services that support individuals to re-integrate into their community. Physiotherapists have skills in promoting physical activity, reablement and empowering individuals through self-management techniques. (Refer to document for reference)

Contact with a physiotherapist offers both recommended first-line treatment for urinary incontinence and health promotion and prevention strategies, and has been proven to be both clinically and cost effective.